FIFA U-17: Football administrators hail Flamingoes good start

September 23, 2012 11:37

NAN-S-3

Flamingoes

Abuja, Sept. 23, 2012 (NAN) Some football administrators in Abuja on Sunday  described Flamingoes’ 1-1 draw against Canada in their  Group A match in the ongoing FIFA U-17 female World Cup in Azerbaijan as a promising start.

The Chairperson of the Nigeria Women League Board, Dilichukwu Onyedinma, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview that the national U-17 female team played a good game but were just unlucky on scoring.

“Our girls played very well but I don’t know why the goals refused to come.

“The commentator in his analysis said that the Flamingoes, during the match, had 16 shots in the first half alone, but none hit the target.

“That is football for you. But all the same, I thank God that we were able to equalise and I know that we have started on a good note, I can see the team going far,’’ Onyedinma said.

She, however, advised the players to be more committed and work on their lapses in their next match.

“I also urge the coaching crew to intensify their training and correct the wrongs made in the first match.

“The Flamingoes have to come all out in their next match against the hosts, Azerbaijan. No team is a walkover; they should not underrate Azerbaijan as not a football playing country,’’ she said.

The Secretary of Nigeria Women Football League, Danlami Alanana, said he was optimistic that the Flamingoes would improve in their next match having learnt certain mistakes from the first match.

“The result of the match, notwithstanding, the players tried their best, but I hope that they will give us a better result in their next match.

“Canada is not a small country in women’s football; they have a very good programme for female football.

“But, since we have been able to hold them to a draw, I think it is a morale booster to the girls.

“The only thing left now is for the coaches to work on their finishing tactics which I am sure will earn us the victory,’’ Alanana said.

Azerbaijan, in their first match in group A, lost 0-4 to Colombia.

The Flamingoes will play their next group match on Tuesday in Lankaran against Azerbaijan, while Canada will face Colombia in Baku.

Two other African countries - Ghana and The Gambia – are also featuring in the third edition of the championship, holding from Sept. 22 to Oct 13. (NAN)

BAY/EWE/JCE

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